Rotary has a long tradition of fostering peace and international understanding through education. Since 1947, Ambassadorial Scholarships have given more than 41,000 men and women the opportunity to study abroad. Rotarians worldwide show a continued faith that today’s scholars will be tomorrow's community and world leaders.

At its meeting of 14th January the Rotary Club of Anstruther had the great pleasure of welcoming Sarah Smith, pictured here, who is studying medieval history at St Andrews University. Sarah is an Ambassadorial Scholar from Arkodelphia, Arkansas.
The club heard something of Sarah’s home, how she is benefiting from Rotary support and of her hopes for the future. But without doubt everyone was intrigued to hear of her refreshing five-point philosophy – perhaps one that could be followed with benefit.

 
1) Approach time head-first not feet-first. Have courage. This literally illustrated with anecdotes from her work teaching young children to swim!
2) Try new things. Clearly and enthusiastically embraced since arriving in Scotland - with a visit to a local farm, several encounters with Scotch whisky and even two ceilidhs in one week. Also looming on the 21st - and again with Anstruther Rotary, is a very first Burns night – with Haggis!
3) Don’t be afraid to get lost – allow yourself to live for the moment. Enjoy where you are even if it’s not where you intended to be.
4) Share the experience. Sarah made the points that with Rotary one is not alone and a scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to meet many people from many different fields and origins.
5) If all else fails, laugh about it; it will make a good story later! Although embarrassing at times, there is great value in sharing experiences.

Altogether a most interesting, entertaining and humorous talk and one reflected in an appreciative vote of thanks proposed by Ian Kennedy.